July-August 1997
Summer Resource Guide
Plain Truth Ministries is committed to reaching people with relevant Christian resources.
In the pages that follow, you will find a selection of books, videos and CDs covering a wide variety of subjects of interest and importance to Christians. These resources will inspire your mind, challenge your preconceptions, enrich your daily devotions, fortify your spiritual life, and deepen your relationship with God.
Take a look at the following pages and discover some great ways to make your summer more meaningful, inspiring and productive.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation
Tyndale House, 1996
Biblical scholars, church pastors and laypersons alike are enthusiastically embracing the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT). This easy-to-read, yet accurate, translation is a 1996 revision by 90 leading evangelical scholars of the popular Living Bible of 1971.
The success of the NLT is evidence that Christians want a Bible that communicates its message in modern terms. Billy Graham recommends the NLT for its "readability and accuracy." It is available in a wide variety of sizes and formats.
Counterfeit Revival
by Hank Hanegraaff
Word, 1997
Travel behind the scenes and discover what is really going on in revivalism today. While multitudes clamor for a massive revival, Hanegraaff declares that what the body of Christ desperately needs is a mighty reformation. In Counterfeit Revival, Hank Hanegraaff, host of the popular Bible Answer Man broadcast and author of the best-selling Christianity in Crisis, shows how to discern the difference between counterfeit and genuine revival. Don't be misled!
The 77 Habits of Highly Ineffective Christians
by Chris Fabry
InterVarsity, 1997
In this hilarious twist on the best-seller The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, writer-broadcaster Chris Fabry offers tongue-in-cheek instruction on how to develop an ineffective spiritual life.
Among these principles are Habit #7: Make Prayer Occasional. Habit #61: Speak Christianese. Habit #68: Make Your Spouse Meet All Your Needs. Habit #44: Believe You Must Tidy Up Before Coming to God.
The 77 Habits is humor with a point, a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor!
He's My Brother
by John Perkins
and Thomas A. Tarrants, III
Chosen Books, 1994
Two unlikely allies-a black activist and a former Ku Klux Klansman-tell their remarkable stories and
offer a workable strategy aimed at building bridges of understanding and reconciliation between the races through the transforming love of Christ.
Their message: Racism is much more than a social issue; it is a spiritual issue that can be resolved only through reconciliation brought about by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ.
"He's My Brother is a compelling and powerful story of Christ's power to change the human heart," says Billy Graham. Royalties from the sale of the book are donated to the John Perkins Foundation to further the work of racial reconciliation and Christian community development in the United States.
Touched by an Angel
by Martha Williamson
and Robin Sheets
Zondervan, 1997
Take a behind-the-scenes look at one of prime-time TV's most popular shows, Touched by an Angel. Increasing numbers of viewers have been noticing this inspiring TV series and wondering who is behind this show that boldly insists each week that God exists and loves us.
Executive producer Martha Williamson tells the story of how the show came to be and the remarkable impact it is having. The book also includes novelized versions of selected scripts and the inspiring stories behind the episodes.
David
by Charles R. Swindoll
Word, 1997
David is the first of a multivolume series by best-selling author Chuck Swindoll exploring great lives from the Bible and mining them for the qualities that made them great.
King David was "a man after God's own heart." What does that mean?
David explores the many facets of this complex man and illustrates that God does not always choose the brilliant, the beautiful or the successful to be his heroes. More often he takes the nobodies and turns them into somebodies! The book offers an insightful perspective on what it means to be truly spiritual and to give one's heart completely to God.
Four Views on Hell
edited by William V. Crockett
Zondervan, 1996
What do the Scriptures say about hell? Few questions are more hotly debated. John F. Walvoord argues that hell is a literal place of smoke and flames. William V. Crockett defends a metaphorical view -- punishment but not necessarily literal fire. Clark Pinnock presents conditional immortality -- punishment but not forever. And Zachary J. Hayes explains the concept of purgatory.
This balanced forum gives thinking Christians a chance to hear differing views and make up their own minds about an important theological question.
Healing America's Wounds
by John Dawson
Regal Books, 1994
Healing America's Wounds is a clarion call to individual and national repentance and reconciliation. A California Baptist, New Zealand-born John Dawson, author of the best-selling Taking Our Cities for God, challenges readers to become agents of healing and reconciliation between classes, races and cultures.
Healing America's Wounds is an intercessor's handbook -- a practical how-to guide for Christians on becoming instruments of God's love by taking the initiative in reconciliation. Dawson is founder of the International Reconciliation Coalition, an organization that promotes racial and ethnic harmony.
Hard Sayings of the Bible
by Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Peter H. Davids,
F.F. Bruce and Manfred T. Brauch
InterVarsity, 1996
This easy-to-read volume combines the content of the five popular Hard Sayings series books with explanations of more than 100 new verses -- in all, explanations of more than 500 of the Bible's most difficult verses. The authors offer scholars' insights into the cultural, historical and linguistic background of troublesome passages, comparing scripture with scripture and suggesting satisfying resolutions to knotty problems.
Slouching Towards Gomorrah
by Robert H. Bork
HarperCollins, 1996
One of America's most distinguished legal scholars offers a disturbing view of a culture in decline, a nation in such serious moral trouble that its very foundation is crumbling. The root of this decline, Robert Bork argues, is the rise of modern liberalism.
Judge Bork brilliantly encapsulates a nation and a culture on the brink, for which he uses the metaphor of Gomorrah, the biblical city destroyed for the sinfulness of its people. He sounds an urgent alarm for all Americans: American culture must change its ways or face destruction. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of American society.
The Jesus I Never Knew
by Philip Yancey
Zondervan, 1995
What happens when a respected Christian journalist puts aside his preconceptions and takes a long look at the Jesus described in the Gospels?
Best-selling author Philip Yancey, editor-at-large for Christianity Today magazine, paints a moving and refreshing portrait of the central figure of history. The Jesus that Yancey finds in the Gospels is not necessarily the person many people learned about in Sunday school.
Readers will find a moving portrait of the biblical Jesus in Yancey's book -- a Jesus who wants to radically transform your life and stretch your faith. Even those who think they know Jesus will gain a new perspective on what it means to be Christlike and truly follow their Lord and Savior.
The Grace Awakening
by Charles R. Swindoll
Word, 1996
We've all heard a lot about God's grace, but do we really understand what it's all about? For the growing number of people who feel that life should be more than grim-faced religion, The Grace Awakening offers a glorious alternative: the truth of the liberating grace of God.
This is a book of hope, leading the reader beyond frustration and guilt to the neglected gospel of grace. It is a compelling call to accept the grace that God freely gives, and to experience the joyful life that God desires for us.
Doomsday
by Russell Chandler
Servant Publications, 1993
Award-winning journalist Russell Chandler, former religion writer for the Los Angeles Times, masterfully combines history and futurology to provide a fascinating look at how people throughout the centuries have tried to predict the end of the world. He sifts the latest evidence, looking at the signs many say point to the end of the age.
As the 20th century races toward its conclusion, Doomsday provides a balanced, thoroughly Christian guide through the labyrinth of prophecies, predictions and warnings about the end of the world. It is a valuable and perceptive contribution to the heated end-times debate.
Mere Christianity
by C.S. Lewis
Simon & Schuster, 1952
In this classic book, British author C.S. Lewis presents a reasoned approach to belief in the Christian faith.
"Mere" Christianity is Christianity stripped down to its essentials -- the defining parameters of the historic Christian faith. Lewis contends that Christianity is the only logical way to understand humanity and the universe.
This book is for the half-convinced person who would like to be a Christian but finds his or her intellect getting in the way -- and for Christians who desire to become further solidified in their faith.
A Very Silly Sing-Along!
VeggieTales
Big Idea Productions
Following in the tradition of Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, this collection of hilarious sing-along songs comes from the #1 selling Christian video series, VeggieTales. The 30-minute video, for children ages 3 and up includes favorite songs from the series as well as a new and improved "Bunny Song" and the all-new Silly Song, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything."
VeggieTales is written for kids, but the creators at Big Idea don't forget parents who are watching for the 653rd time. Bob and Larry's Silly Songs are a hit for all ages.
NIrV Kids' Study Bible
Zondervan, 1996
A colorful Garden of Eden scene decorates this just-for-kids study Bible. Written at about a third-grade level, the New International Reader's Version includes numerous illustrations, as well as special highlighted sections for discussion. Study questions are written with children's issues in mind and are helpful in making Bible stories relevant to today's kids.
The Fire Again
Kim Hill
Star Song
After her country album, So Far So Good, brought her a taste of success with a secular audience, Kim Hill has returned to the world of Christian music.
Why the return? Hill says, "I want my music to be something where my concerts truly glorify Him and lead people into worship."
The result is a worshipful folk-pop album with some excellent string arrangements and gentle acoustic piano. But Kim's husky alto is her best instrument, and she gives it full range throughout the album -- from inspirational pop to tender worship tunes.
Unveiled Hope
Michael Card
Myrrh
This journey into the apocalyptic book of Revelation begins with a stirring blend of uilleann pipes, penny whistles and the trademark Celtic harp of Michael Card.
A magical story weaver, Card unveils the mystery of Revelation through its very own hymns. Each song develops in its own personal musical style as the texture of the story sees fit. "Holy, Holy, Holy" sounds as if it should be sung in a medieval cathedral, while "You Are Worthy" and "Salvation" have all the energy of traditional black gospel hymns.
This musical tour of the Bible's grand finale offers listeners an incentive to study Revelation in a whole new light.
Tribute: The Songs of Andraé Crouch
Various artists
Warner Alliance
Browse through the album collection of any contemporary Christian artist and you'll undoubtedly find at least one or a dozen bearing the legendary name Andraé Crouch. The gospel great has influenced secular and Christian audiences alike for more than 30 years. Now, the music world is giving back.
This tribute album includes 11 of Crouch's most moving and enduring gospel classics sung by top names in the industry. Michael W. Smith offers a powerful rendition of "Jesus Is the Answer;" the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir gives "Soon and Very Soon" a life of its own; and "To God Be the Glory," sung by Crouch and his All-Star Choir, is gospel music at its best.
A Room Full of Stories
Wes King
Sparrow
What do you make of an album that begins with an ode to the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins? Add some excellent acoustic guitar, a little fiddlin' and some thought-provoking lyrics, and you have an omen of a great journey ahead.
Wes King calls A Room Full of Stories his "most artist driven album" yet. And it's powerful. Rich with acoustic sounds and folk instrumentation, King pulls you into the personal stories he tells.
Possibly the most touching song is a lullaby to the child that King and his wife long to have. "Thought You'd Be Here" brings tears to the eyes of crowds whenever King performs.
But before the tears have dried, King reaches up again with "Good News." He sings: "I refuse to let the things I can't change bring me down/ Whatever is lovely holy and pure/ I will think on these things." That's good news indeed.